As the Los Angeles Lakers begin their 2020-21 NBA season as defending NBA champions, we finally have a first look at what their hardware will look like.
The team posted these beautiful pictures of what the players received on Tuesday: commemorative championship rings featuring the numbers of every player on the roster as well as the year of their great success together.
This is what it's all about 💍 pic.twitter.com/kZlYMYb93X
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 23, 2020
The championship rings, designed by Jason of Beverley Hills who also designed the Lakers’ 2009 and 2010 rings, feature a purple Lakers “L” logo with 17 diamonds representing the franchise’s championships. Other details from the ring include every player’s number around the rim of the ring and a Black Mamba around each player’s own number on their ring as a tribute to Kobe Bryant. The face of the ring also comes off to reveal the franchise’s retired jerseys with Kobe’s #8 and #24 highlighted in a black mamba texture.
After the Lakers’ legend’s tragic death alongside his daughter Gianna and their friends, the purple and gold dedicated what ultimately was a special season to Bryant. Kobe was, of course, a friend, mentor and idol to most of the players, coaches and front office staff on the team.
The purple and gold received their rings before setting foot on the Staples Center court on Tuesday to begin their season against the Clippers, with frontline healthcare workers and the players and coaches’ loved ones presenting them virtually. The team has also added a new star to their center court logo to commemorate the championship. And while they have raised a 17th banner, it has been covered up until it can be properly celebrated with a crowd in the home arenas.
Legacy Left ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/41pNi0DenA
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 23, 2020
